Summary:
Hajji Walire Marijan, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Kitgum, reaffirmed that the primary responsibility for protecting human rights rests with the government.
KITGUM: Kitgum District Local Government is considering the formation of a District Human Rights Committee, following a longstanding recommendation by the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC).
During an engagement meeting with stakeholders on February 24, 2025, at the RDC’s boardroom, participants agreed that the committee would ensure comprehensive attention to human rights, leaving no one behind.
Mar Emasit Samson Okurut, Program Manager for Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, explained that the initiative is part of the “Human Rights Our Concern” project, which is being implemented across 14 districts, including Kitgum. He noted that other districts, such as Wakiso and Otuke, have already established their own District Human Rights Committees.
Mr. Okurut highlighted that Kitgum was selected for the project due to the rising incidence of human rights violations in the district.
He commended both the district leadership and stakeholders for their commitment to forming the committee and encouraged other districts to follow suit, emphasizing the importance of making human rights protection and promotion a national norm.
//Cue in : Mr. Emasit Samson Okurut //Eng/
Ms. Florence Lajara, a project officer at Women’s Voice for Development, stressed the importance of ensuring the sustainability of the committee once it is established.
//Cue in: Ms. Florence Lajara //Eng/
Hajji Walire Marijan, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Kitgum, reaffirmed that the primary responsibility for protecting human rights rests with the government. However, he emphasized the need for close collaboration with the district human rights committees to effectively safeguard these rights.
//Cue in: Hajji Walire Marijan //Eng/
